Cutaneous reactive B-cell lymphoid proliferations

J Cutan Pathol. 2022 Oct;49(10):898-916. doi: 10.1111/cup.14264. Epub 2022 Aug 4.

Abstract

Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia (CLH), also known as cutaneous pseudolymphoma, is a spectrum of benign conditions characterized by reactive B- and T-cell cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrates. B-cell lymphoid proliferations are a heterogenous group of non-neoplastic cutaneous diseases that must be histopathologically distinguished from cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. These proliferations can be observed as reactive phenomena to infections, medications, allergens, neoplasms, and more. Furthermore, there are many inflammatory conditions that present with reactive B-cell infiltrates, including actinic prurigo, Zoon balanitis, Rosai-Dorfman disease, and cutaneous plasmacytosis. This review summarizes multiple cutaneous B-cell lymphoid proliferations within the major categories of reactive and disease-associated CLH. Further we discuss major discriminating features of atypical CLH and malignancy. Understanding the specific patterns of B-cell CLH is essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting with such lesions.

Keywords: lymphocytic infiltrate; lymphoid hyperplasia; pseudolymphoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell* / pathology
  • Male
  • Pseudolymphoma* / diagnosis
  • Pseudolymphoma* / pathology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology